In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom and tonka bean; whisk in sugar until combined. Knead in butter, using fingertips, until incorporated, and small lumps form.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 egg, sour cream and vanilla until well combined; add liquid to dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Pat dough into a 2-inch thick round on a floured surface; slice into 12 equal wedges, and transfer to cookie sheet. Whisk additional egg in a small bowl, and brush evenly on scones.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 10 minutes on a wire rack; evenly brush with white chocolate and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar.

Sweetie, I'm so sorry. My Grandfather passed away 12 years ago and I still think about him every day. He meant so much to me. The pain is tempered by time, but memory and emotion grows ever deeper, developing into something so beautiful and pure, an unlikely aesthetic, sinking deeper into cellular memory every year. You will be alright, but it will take time. Just focus on your memories of her. Remember her laughter, voice, smile, and even smell. Remember even the tiniest of moments shared until they are so permanent in your recall. You'll be thankful in a few years as little bits and pieces that were once so vivid become less clear. Hold tight to those memories.

Be well and if you need anything, I'm here for you, as are all your many many other friends whom care about you.

I'm sorry about your grandmother Emily. I know what you mean about trying to keep yourself distracted so that you don't start crying. I like to cry in the car, because there's a finite amount of time you can do it, since you have an end destination where you won't want to cry anymore.

Oh hunny. I'm so sorry. I lost my Grandma (my favorite person in the entire world) a couple of years ago and I still cry when I think about her. I try to imagine her on a couch full of clouds watching soap operas (she was a bit obsessive about them) but I'm still very angry that she is gone.

My thoughts will be with your family and you as you go through this week! *hugs*

So sorry about your grandma... I've lost my grandpa last December so I get you. I don't even feel like commenting the scones anymore, in all their deliciousness. Keep busy, keep remembering, keep baking amazing stuff! Ps- Love tonka beans!

I am so sorry for your loss. I heard Dr. Laura compare someone passing to the sun once. The sun is there everyday, even though sometimes we can't see it, we can always feel it. You may not be able to see your grandmother everyday, but she is still with you and you can still feel her presence.

When I make these scones I will say a little prayer for you and your family.

Sorry to hear that you lost your Grandmother. We had a similar situation in May when Peggy lost her Dad, so we know what you are dealing with. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Take it one day at a time.

You, your grandmother and your family will be in my prayers. Be strong and remember the happy times, keep alive her legacy, memories and essence... that way she'll never be gone. You'll carry her with you, that is comforting.It's good to keep occupied at the face of sorrows, blogging is a good, gratifying activity to busy the mind! These scones look delicious, I had never seen tonka bean in my life, but almond, cinnamon, clove and vanilla are delicious flavours!

I'm so sorry Emily. I think I know how you are feeling right now. Keeping busy does help and baking is such a passion for you that it will help you get through it. I will keep your grandma, you and your family in my prayers. XOP.s. I really have to try making scones again. I think you nudged me into it... thanks!

I'm so sad about your grandma. Mine passed away a couple years ago, and I still miss her. I have her picture on my refrigerator, smiling at me every day. And I think of her often. In some ways it feels like she's still here . . . I mourn with you and know you will miss her greatly. Grandmas are pretty special.